Tyler Perry Debuts The Dream Collective: A New Short Film Program for Rising Filmmakers

EXCLUSIVE: Tyler Perry Studios plans to launch the Dream Collective, an initiative aimed at discovering and nurturing the next generation of filmmakers, focusing specifically on those who have been historically overlooked and underrepresented.

According to Perry, the program will center on producing a short film and offer filmmakers exclusive opportunities to work with industry professionals, receive practical training, and get personalized assistance, enabling them to share their narratives and foster long-term careers in the field.

The applications become available on April 17.

For quite some time now, I have felt compelled to develop a program through which I could impart the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained within this industry to others," stated Perry. "Today, I am both humbled and thrilled to present the Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective." He continued, "This initiative offers aspiring directors an incredible chance to gain insights into the art and commerce of filmmaking directly from seasoned experts who excel in their fields. Essentially, this endeavor revolves around accessibility. Entering this field isn’t always easy—I know firsthand. Twenty years back when I began producing films, despite having sold-out theater performances, not many people in Hollywood recognized my work or provided opportunities. With the Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective, I envision providing entry points for future generations of creatives.

Dawn Hudson, ex-CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, will lead the Tyler Perry Dream Collective.

After exiting the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Hudson mentioned that he and Tyler discussed how entering and navigating the film industry has become increasingly challenging. "Film schools come with hefty price tags," Hudson explained. “If you’re not well-connected, it’s quite easy to feel excluded.” To address this issue, they teamed up to establish the Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective. They believe it’s crucial for cinema and television to feature a wide range of perspectives as this fosters greater compassion and awareness globally. According to Hudson, creativity thrives within communities, and making movies independently is extremely tough.

Nekisa Cooper has been added to oversee Program Design & Production, stating, “The opportunities in television and film have never been greater. However, significant progress remains essential. The Tyler Perry Studios Dream Collective plays an indispensable role in this regard. This initiative focuses on fostering knowledge, enhancing skills, developing habits, and building brands. We aim to elevate a diversity of perspectives within the sector and equip aspiring filmmakers with the means to share their narratives and establish enduring professional paths.”

Here’s a summary of the application procedure:

Round 1: Tyler Perry Studios' Dream Collective is accepting submissions from Thursday, April 17 through Thursday, May 1. A total of one thousand entries consisting of previous works along with related material that effectively convey the filmmakers’ visions will be considered during this period. In May 2025, 100 initial shortlisted candidates will be chosen and informed about their selection.

Round 2: A total of one hundred finalists will then engage in online sessions. These month-long digital meetings aim to inform, motivate, and build a enduring network among participants. During these gatherings, they will have the chance to connect with directors and fellow creatives, discussing subjects such as how careers begin, the essence of teamwork, along with analyses of successes and challenges both on set and beyond.

Round 3: The top 100 finalists will have the opportunity to present their short film scripts along with additional supporting documents that clearly express each filmmaker’s concept. Following an assessment of these submitted shorts, ten victors will be chosen and revealed in July 2025.

Round 4: The top 10 winners will participate in a comprehensive, 10-day practical training workshop focused on short film preparation at Tyler Perry Studios between July and August 2025. During this period, they'll get the chance to test out different aspects of their scripts, collaborate closely with key department leaders, direct actors, and hone their directorial abilities within the renowned setting of Tyler Perry Studios. These 10 winners will also present their ideas for the short films, explaining how they plan to realize these narratives visually. Following the assessment of these presentations, five grand prize recipients will be chosen and informed about their win during August.

Round 5: In August, five grand prize winners will be revealed. Each of these recipients will receive $30,000 provided by Tyler Perry Studios to produce their short film this autumn within the broader Atlanta region. The award includes utilizing local support staff for non-acting roles, leveraging the studio’s production facilities, along with guidance from both Tyler Perry Studios and experts in the field.

Additional details are available on the website. here.

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